Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil, created America's original hospitality Star Rating system in 1958. Since then, its team of incognito inspectors have checked into thousands of hotels, dined at just as many restaurants, and experienced scores of spa treatments to bring you information on the very best places to stay, eat and relax around the world. Throughout ForbesTravelGuide.com, you'll find Star-Rated and recommended hotels, restaurants and spas, as well as information on destinations and activities, created by Forbes Travel Guide's team of professional editors, correspondents, expert and inspectors.

Views From The Top: Five Ultra-Tall Hotels

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is set to break a world record when it opens later this year, becoming the tallest all-hotel building on the planet. Its 1,164-foot height means it will be just 85 feet shorter than the Empire State Building. The hotel will open about half of its planned 1,608 rooms in October, but in the meantime, there are plenty of sky-high hotels to visit.

On their travels, our Forbes Travel Guide inspectors check in to sky-scraping hotels with stunning (and sometimes stomach-flopping) views. Read on and click through our slideshow to see recent snapshots our inspectors have taken in super-tall hotels.

Park Hyatt Shanghai

How tall: 1,614 feet (101 floors)

Sitting on floors 79 through 93 of the Shanghai World Financial Center, Park Hyatt Shanghai occupies the tallest building in China. The 87th-floor lobby offers a serene sanctuary far from the hubbub of China’s largest city, and staying here puts you above Shanghai’s frequent smog. Inside the 85th-floor Water’s Edge spa, the infinity pool lets you take a dip while soaking in the city views.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

How tall: 1,588 feet (118 floors)

With its top-floor bar claiming the title of highest bar in the world, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong occupies the upper 17 floors of the International Commerce Centre in Kowloon. As the tallest building in Hong Kong, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel serves up stellar views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. The busy city looks peaceful from more than 1,500 feet up.

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

How tall: 871 feet (66 floors)

Atop the luxury 900 North Michigan Shops, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago sits on floors 30 through 46 of a skyscraper that has 20 more floors above the hotel. From the guest rooms, you can take in unrivaled vistas of the nearby John Hancock Center and Lake Michigan from bed. At this height, you can see Indiana on a clear day, not to mention picture-perfect views of the Chicago skyline.

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